University of Richmond junior awarded international Gilman scholarship for study abroad at the University of Cambridge

University of Richmond junior M. Tyler York, of Hampton, Virginia, has received a Gilman scholarship to support his study abroad experience at the University of Cambridge this summer.

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two- or four-year college or university. Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward study abroad experiences. Gilman scholars are also eligible for 12 months of noncompetitive eligibility hiring status within the federal government. 

York is double majoring in leadership studies and philosophy, politics, economics and law with a concentration in politics. He is minoring in American Studies.

York will be participating in the Jepson at Cambridge program, which is co-coordinated by the Jepson School of Leadership Studies and the Richmond School of Law. Students spend five weeks studying at Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge. They participate in classes, lectures and out-of-town trips to examine law and leadership in an international context and to experience the rich intellectual and cultural history of England.

“I am hopeful to attend law school at UR, and I believe the law classes I’ll be taking at Cambridge will provide me with meaningful exposure to a legal education,” York said. “I also know Cambridge has a rich history of educating prominent political figures, which was an immediate draw to me.”

York notes he is a proud recipient of Richmond’s Promise to Virginia and says this scholarship has turned studying abroad into a reality for him. 

“I'm really hoping to bring back those meaningful experiences to students from my hometown who may not be aware that scholarships like Gilman are available to them,” York said.

“Study abroad experiences are a hallmark of a Richmond education,” said Dana Kuchem, director of the Office of Scholars and Fellowships. “Even with the multitude of campus funding sources, study abroad can be a financial challenge. This award allows a wider range of students access to international opportunities which serve a formative role in students’ understanding of themselves and the world around them.”

More than 65 percent of University of Richmond students complete a study abroad experience before graduating.

University of Richmond has had 19 Gilman Scholars since the program started in 2001.

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